I am Shane Boyette a masonry contractor from Kosciusko Mississippi. I live in Winona Mississippi with my wife Janell and together we have 3 children.
This ministry has been a gift from the Lord and with the support of my family and friends I am praying that God continue to bless this ministry.
Mario has been faithfully serving Ahava Ministries since the very beginning. Originally from Rincon de Pacaya, some of his responsibilities as National Director include administration, maintenance, and planning. His favorite part of the job is getting to watch the children grow in their faith. When not at the ministry, he can be found caring for cattle and other livestock on the various ranches he manages. Mario is almost never seen without a hot cup of coffee and a welcoming smile for all he meets.
Pamela served with numerous Christian organizations before the Lord introduced her to Shane and invited her to begin Ahava Ministries with Mario. She hails from Guatemala City and brings new perspectives to the ministry as a Sworn Translator graduate from San Carlos University. Some of her key responsibilities include hosting teams of foreigners, bookkeeping, and serving as a community liaison. She enjoys sharing about the culture and history of her beautiful country; if you're looking to try a delicious Guatemalan dish, she'd recommend hilachas with white tamales and hibiscus tea. Besides hanging out with her pets, Pamela feels most satisfied at the ministry when each area is running smoothly. In her free time she enjoys learning to cook and eating sushi.
Mrs. Rosario is the head chef and kitchen lead who expertly plans and executes delicious meals for Ahava's program families. Her four children - Beatriz, Rolando, Wilson, and Alvaro - have given her seven beautiful grandchildren. Whether you're looking for fried chicken, macaroni salad, boiled pumpkin, or a traditional Guatemalan stew, she has a recipe! Her favorite part of the job is serving the children tasty meals with great love. When she's not at the ministry, she's managing her household as a true Proverbs 31 woman. She is one of the few remaining ladies in Santa Elena Barillas who still makes tortillas with her hands!
Ms. Rosario has been humbly and faithfully serving at Ahava Ministries since nearly the very beginning. When she is not assisting in the kitchen, she can be found cleaning every inch of the mission house with care and attention to detail. She sees her primary responsibility as serving God with love. She enjoys spending time with her four children, most of whom grew up at the ministry: David, Lourdes, Nancy, and Carlos. They have given her three amazing grandchildren. Her favorite food is Guatemala's national dish, a chicken stew called "pepian" with a natural juice made with pineapple and cucumber.
Lourdes serves Ahava Ministries alongside her mother, Ms. Rosario ("Chayo"). Her primary responsibilities include preparing the mission house for teams, making meals with love, and sharing about God with Ahava's program families. She also manages the bookkeeping for the kitchen. Lourdes received a specialized high school diploma in Sciences and Letters with an Orientation in Productivity and Entrepreneurship. Her son, Estiven, was born in 2018 and is her pride and joy. Her favorite meal is yellow chicken made with izote flower and served with white rice and a strawberry smoothie. Her favorite part of the job is spending time with the children and visiting teams. When she's not at the ministry, Lourdes can be found at home with her family or worshipping the Lord at church.
Emma first came to Guatemala in December of 2017 on a short-term trip. Seven years later in God's perfect timing, He opened the door for her to move to Santa Elena Barillas long-term. She holds a B.A. in Spanish and a M.A.T. in Teaching ESL. In addition to leading Ahava's program with Pamela, she also assists to facilitate team visits and provides spiritual care for the ministry. Her favorite Guatemalan meal is chicken and cheese dobladas served with cremita, a creamy cold drink made with milk and vanilla. Emma most enjoys watching God answer prayer and break strongholds in their community. When she's not at the ministry, she can be found exploring Guatemala or eating frozen yogurt.
Mike Rozier and his wife Angelia own the Mike Rozier Construction Company located in Greenwood, Mississippi. Together they have four children and twelve precious grandchildren. In addition to being the President of Ahava's Board of Directors, Mr. Rozier is also Ahava's beloved Santa Claus. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 84:11 - "For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."
Holly Bridges is married to Andy Bridges. They have one daughter, Mia Coy. They live in Winona. Holly is an active member of North Winona Baptist Church. She is an interventionist at Winona School District.
John Goldwater is pastor of Christ community church in Grenada Mississippi since 2005. John and his wife Sara have four children.
Healthcare Executive turned Adventure Entrepreneur. After 20 years in healthcare, Russell felt lead in a new direction of service and ministry and opened a Treetop Aerial Adventure Park in central Mississippi. Russell is a devoted husband and father to his wife, Candace, his three children, Noah, Bella, and Saxon; serves as a Deacon, youth worship leader, and is active in North Winona Baptist Church; is a musician, songwriter, and is passionate about leading others to worship in Spirit and in Truth. Russell loves the Lord, serving and ministering to others, and leading others to truly worship the Risen King
Frankie lives in Vaiden Mississippi with his wife and their four children Nathan, Abby, Jake, and Bethany. All are members of Vaiden Baptist Church
Dr. Marcus Carson is the Associate Dean of Career Technical Education at Bevill State Community College. He is married to Mrs. Natalie Carson, assistant principal of Oakman High School. Together they have four beautiful children and attend Church of the Highlands in Fultondale, Alabama. Dr. Carson says he has too many wonderful memories at Ahava to pick just one favorite. If you're looking for encouragement from Scripture, he encourages you to go to John 3:16 - "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
662-310-0120 | ahavaministriesguat@gmail.com